US Gen Z and Millennials’ Online Shopping Behaviors: 2026
Gen Z and Millennials are not just the most digitally connected generations – they are redefining the future of commerce.
Gen Z and Millennials are not just the most digitally connected generations – they are redefining the future of commerce.
"Gen Z and Millennials live online, but how they shop – and what influences their decisions – continues to evolve. Gen Z is defining the future of shopping, while Millennials drive much of today's spending. Winning requires designing smarter consumer journeys, not simply delivering louder messages."
Marisa Ortega, Analyst - Retail & eCommerce
Gen Z and Millennials are not just the most digitally connected generations – they are redefining the future of commerce. A striking 74% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials are comfortable buying everything they need online, highlighting how deeply ecommerce is embedded in their daily lives.
The most significant industry shift is the fragmentation of the traditional shopping funnel. Shopping is becoming increasingly guided by external influences – social networks, creators, communities and AI – rather than consumers navigating retailer websites on their own.
One of the biggest opportunities lies in AI-powered and conversational commerce. Younger consumers expect personalized experiences, frictionless shopping and intelligent product recommendations. Brands that successfully combine AI-driven discovery, social influence and omnichannel convenience will be well positioned to capture share of wallet and build long-term loyalty.
The greatest threat is increasing consumer expectations around trust and experience. As shopping becomes more social, mobile and AI-driven, retailers that fail to meet expectations for transparency, convenience and relevance risk becoming invisible in an increasingly competitive marketplace.